Knight Frank advises JAS on new warehouse in Dubai South

US-headquartered JAS is expanding its presence in the UAE with a new warehouse in Dubai South. The deal was advised on by Knight Frank.

With over 7,000 employees worldwide, JAS is one of the world’s larger logistics and freight forwarding companies. The company has been active in the Middle East for decades.

To meet growing demand for its services, JAS is expanding its footprint in the UAE, with its soon to launch new warehouse (late 2024) to add around 127,300 square feet of logistics space to its portfolio.

Based on a land plot of 212,160 square feet, the warehouse will be divided into half racked and half bulk storage configuration, alongside three temperature-controlled chambers. The warehouse will be accessed via 12 loading bays equipped with dock levellers, roller shutter doors, and two side ramps. It will also feature an eaves height of over 14 meters at the apex and will be serviced by the latest firefighting regulation.

Around 13,347 square feet will be reserved for office space, distributed across two floors.

“This project represents a significant milestone for JAS in the Middle East and its esteemed customers,” said Erwin Wittemaier, Area Vice President for the Middle East. “This strategic investment underscores our commitment to our customers and the UAE market. We look forward to deploying new technology to provide best-in-class logistics solutions.”

Knight Frank served as the lead advisor to JAS during its search for a new warehouse (existing building or new build location). After an extensive market search spanning over five months, Knight Frank identified that the existing market supply did not align with the specific requirements of JAS.

The real estate consultants consequently recommended a so-called ‘Build to Suit’ solution, connecting the occupier with a developer committed to constructing a state-of-the-art facility. This collaboration formed the basis of the new build currently being delivered in the Dubai South district.

According to Adam Wynne, Associate Partner and Co-Head of Industrial & Logistics at Knight Frank: “This deal represents a significant milestone in the UAE logistics market. We are delighted to have advised on this transaction and we look forward to seeing the best-in-class asset once complete.”

Originally founded in 1978 in Italy, JAS is today headquartered in the United States. Its UAE headquarters is based in Jebel Ali Free Zone.